Richard Offutt

Richard Ames Offutt was born on May 26, 1948, in Washington, D.C. Raised in a military family, his childhood unfolded on Army bases around the world—an upbringing that instilled adaptability, discipline, and a lifelong comfort with packing up and heading toward the next adventure.

After high school, Richard attended Florida State University and joined the Sigma Chi fraternity. Fully embracing the hippie movement of the Vietnam War era, he dropped out of college and bought a one-way ticket to Europe—an early signal that his life would not follow a straight line. That meandering chapter brought memories to last a lifetime: hitchhiking across Europe, sleeping on beaches in Jamaica, and running with the bulls in Pamplona. He immersed himself in the counterculture music of the era, including the Summer of Love in 1967 in San Francisco and scores of Grateful Dead shows. He eventually settled back into school in Vermont, where, alongside academics, he discovered a lasting passion for rugby, playing with the Burlington Rugby Club and earning the nickname “The Missing Link,” or simply “Link.” He also deepened his lifelong study of martial arts, earning a third-degree black belt in karate and practicing Tai Chi, which became a daily morning ritual for decades to come.

Richard went on to earn a doctorate in psychology, committing his professional life to understanding people while never taking himself too seriously. Along the way, he met Marge, his wife of 35 years and favorite adventure partner. Together they skied Northeastern mountains, sailed on Lake Champlain, and built a life centered on curiosity, movement, and shared values. Job opportunities brought Richard and Marge to Atlanta, where they put down roots. Richard started his own psychology practice, and together they built a life deeply grounded in family and community. While traveling on a rugby tour in 1990, Richard and Marge were married in the Parnell Rose Gardens in Auckland, New Zealand—proof that even major life decisions could, and perhaps should, involve international travel, spontaneity, and rugby friends.

A devoted, adventurous, and hands-on father, Richard threw himself into parenting. As a family, they shared annual ski trips, kayaking and camping weekends, and a steady rotation of daily athletic pursuits. Richard was a supportive dad—whether coaching, cheering from the sidelines, or challenging his kids in competition, particularly where he had an advantage, like squash, golf, and tennis.

In his later years, as his body gradually aged out of high-impact pursuits, Richard adjusted to a smaller and more familiar world. He found joy in spending time with his family, reading the Atlanta Journal-Constitution cover to cover each day, and taking his 1985 Porsche 911 out for a drive—the same car that had carried his children to school and him to work every morning.

Richard was a natural storyteller, always sharing outlandish tales that left rooms bellowing with laughter. At the same time, he remained grounded and deeply attentive, with a rare ability to make people feel both entertained and understood. He touched countless lives along the way.

Richard passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, in Ridgway, Colorado, on his granddaughter Hayden’s first birthday—a moment he likely would have appreciated for its cosmic timing.

He is survived by his wife, Marge; his children, Elly (Andrew) and Nate; and his granddaughter, Hayden.

Richard will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, intelligence, dry humor, and deep loyalty to family and friends. He lived fully, laughed often, and believed strongly in staying active and not taking life too seriously.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to go on a great adventure or consider a donation to a local sporting club of your choice—or, if guidance is helpful, the Atlanta Old White Rugby Club or the Burlington Rugby Club, organizations that reflect Richard’s lifelong love of sport and community.

A celebration of life will be held later this spring in Atlanta, with another gathering in Vermont this summer. Details to follow.